Changi Airport Group and Lotte Duty Free bring the WOW(S) factor to wine & spirits lovers

Changi Airport Group and Lotte Duty Free senior management celebrate the occasion at Singapore’s historic Capitol Theatre

SINGAPORE. A curation of over 100 internationally acclaimed fine wines and spirits from more than 56 world-renowned brands was on offer as Changi Airport Group (CAG) and Lotte Duty Free unveiled the second edition of the exclusive World of Wines and Spirits (WOWS) Signature Event on Saturday (28 October).

CAG described the event – themed ‘An Epicurean Journey’  and held over two sessions at Singapore’s historic Capitol Theatre – as “a resounding success”. Over 400 guests were able to experience a stellar range of ultra-premium liquor products from esteemed labels such as The Macallan, Bowmore, Martell and Hennessy.

The most expensive bottles sold (duty and tax free) were The Balvenie Tale of the Dog 46 Year Old at S$29,500 (US$21,500), and The Dalmore Cask Curation at S$51,000 (US$37,230). The latter comprises a set of three bottles: The Dalmore Cask Curation 43 Year Old Apostoles Sherry Cask Finish, The Dalmore Cask Curation 26 Year Old Vintage Sherry Cask Finish, and The Dalmore Cask Curation 28 Year Old Matusalem Sherry Cask Finish.

WOWS 2023 gets a big thumbs up from Lotte Duty Free CEO Kim Ju Nam (left) with Changi Airport Group CEO Lee Seow Hiang
WOWS 2023 offers some magnificent and rare spirits, including Shirakawa single malt whisky 1958 from Japan 
Royal Salute The Art Edition by Kate MccGwire
Hennessy Cognac collaborated with Chinese contemporary painter Yang Yong Liang and French porcelain boutique Maison Bernardaud to design this limited-edition Year of the Dragon decanter. Only one bottle (already reserved) was available at WOWS for S$13,250 (US$9,700).
Louis XIII Time Collection 2 – City of Lights 1900
Changi Airport Group CEO Lee Seow Hiang with newly appointed Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail CEO Laurent Pillet

Guests were taken on an immersive virtual voyage to four countries – Japan, Scotland, France and Singapore. At each destination, they had the opportunity to savour crafted canapés by chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants, infused with or paired with esteemed products from that particular country.

The Changi Airport Group and Lotte Duty Free leadership and management teams gather for a photoshoot
Changi Airport Group management with guests from Edrington, Beam Suntory and Lotte Duty Free’s fellow Changi Airport anchor retailer The Shilla Duty Free

The five-star, eight-hands culinary experience by a quartet of renowned chefs (Dave Pynt, Rishi Naleendra, Ivan Brehm and Michael Wilson) from Unlisted Collection’s Michelin-starred restaurants featured creations such as Idli and Caviar, Tuna Tartare, Duck Duck Cherry, Whiskey Soft Serve and more.

The evening was enhanced by a series of cultural performances, with Scotland’s heritage showcased through Ernest Cho’s bagpipe melodies
Japan was represented by Singapore-based Japanese cultural group Hibikiya with its Taiko Drums
Singapore featured Dharni (above), a two-time Grand Beatbox Battle Champion, while Vocalise Orchestra V (below) represented France

“The event further exemplifies Changi Airport Group’s leadership in the wines and spirits category, and its unwavering commitment to providing exceptional experiences for guests and travellers,” CAG said.

“This gathering not only celebrated the diversity of wines and spirits but also deepened the appreciation for the craftsmanship and artistry that goes into producing these fine beverages.”

The showcased products are available to the public for purchase on the WOWS online portal (http://wows.changiairport.com) from now until February 2024.

Collectors and aficionados can look forward to rare spirits such as Bowmore John Galvin 1965 (S$77,500/US$56,600, only two available); The Glenlivet Private Archive Release 40 Year Old (S$60,000/US$43,800, only one available); Martell 70 Year Old Grande Champagne 70cl (S$35,000/US$25,550, only one available); Richard Hennessy x Berluti (S$57,900/US$42,270, only one available), and Louis XIII Rare Cask (S$72,000/US$52,700, only three available). ✈

‘An Epicurean Journey’ truly lived up to its billing with a five-star, eight-hands culinary experience provided by four chefs from Unlisted Collection’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Pictured left to right above are Chefs Dave Pynt, Rishi Naleendra, Ivan Brehm and Michael Wilson.
(Left to right) Chefs Dave Pynt, Ivan Brehm, Rishi Naleendra and Michael Wilson take time out to enjoy the moment

KOLs were out in force for the occasion. Pictured left to right are Terry Chee, Calista Liaw and Leon Koh.
KOLs Myke Motus and Evonne Ng enjoying the evening

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